Machine Building

What is pushing the development of "˜future-proof' SCADA?

With the role of SCADA changing within the industry, it pays for plant managers to become familiar with the trends that are shaping the development of next-generation SCADA systems. With modern technology pushing operating capabilities ever further, what key features will denote "˜future-proof' SCADA? Paul Hurst, Director at Products4Automation, exclusive UK distributor for popular Progea products Movicon SCADA and Automation Platform.NExT, explores the characteristics of modern and future SCADA platforms.

3rd July 2017

The advantages of hardware-independent software

According to the Smart Factories and the Modern Manufacturer report, investments in smart manufacturing are set to drive a 27 per cent increase in efficiency over the next five years, boosting the global economy by a colossal $500 billion. Here, Lee Sullivan, regional manager for COPA-DATA UK, examines one of the key choices manufacturers will make during their digital transformation "" choosing the right software.

26th June 2017

Five ways to future-proof industrial products

David Kelly, Regional Product Manager at Southco presents five concepts that manufacturers need to embrace when future-proofing industrial products and applications in order to ensure long-term success.

26th June 2017

Humans need a digital twin for zero unplanned downtime

Mark Homer, Vice President Global Customer Transformation for ServiceMax, discusses the concept of a digital twin.

23rd June 2017

The role of women in engineering

According to the Women's Engineering Society (WES), less than ten per cent of engineering professionals in the United Kingdom are women, the lowest figure in Europe. Latvia, Bulgaria and Cyprus are leading the way, with female engineers making up almost 30 per cent. Here, Helen Marston, engineer at specialist resistor manufacturer, Cressall, discusses the role of women in engineering throughout history.

23rd June 2017

How electrical interference can cause pacemaker issues

During the French Revolution, beheading was the preferred method of execution. The guillotine was used for thousands of executions, meaning there was no shortage of experimental material for biologist Marie Francois Bichat. Bichat tested the electrical stimulation of hearts, which was instrumental in the development of the modern day pacemaker. Nowadays, pacemakers are commonly used to maintain a regular heart rate. Here, Keith Armstrong, worldwide electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) expert at EMC Standards, looks at how electrical interference can cause pacemaker issues.

23rd June 2017

Why it can pay to choose custom rather than standard sensors

Sam Drury, Sales & Marketing Director at Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd, explains why some engineers prefer custom pressure sensors over standard, off-the-shelf versions.

22nd June 2017

Load holding valves made simple

Load holding valves, also known as counterbalance valves, are a small but important part of any mobile machine. Though simple in design, their application can often frustrate even the most skilled and experienced engineers. Having a basic understanding of load holding valve operation and how to apply them can allow engineers to improve the stability and reduce cost in mobile equipment. Todd McIntyre of Eaton Hydraulics discusses load holding valves.

22nd June 2017

Optimas Solutions supplies global pedigree with a local touch

The phrase "˜global supplier' spurs thoughts of shipping containers travelling the world and large multinational corporations employing highly complex logistical operations; all controlled from a centralised super-hub. However, this is not an entirely accurate reflection of what it takes to be a successful global supply partner. Traditional global frameworks can be slow to respond to local concerns, while moving products around the world can also be costly and time consuming. Therefore, to effectively service demands with speed at a local level, a global approach must be blended with a local ethos - a scalability of service.

22nd June 2017

Miss M8ty - enabling Ethernet from the sensor to the cloud

Matthias Fritsche and Jonas Diekmann of Harting introduce Harting's new heroine, Miss M8ty, and explain how she and the company's new M8 D-coded connector will enable machine builders to provide Ethernet connectivity from field-level devices through to top-level monitoring and control systems, including the cloud.

22nd June 2017